Earlier this month, the FDA released results from the largest-ever testing program for infant formula in the United States. The findings were alarming. PFAS, the class of synthetic chemicals known as forever chemicals, were detected in half of all samples tested. And the FDA's response was to characterize the levels as low and conclude the formula supply is safe.
The Environmental Working Group disagrees. So do a growing number of independent researchers.
What the FDA actually found.
The FDA tested 312 infant formula samples from 16 brands for 30 different PFAS compounds. Five were detected. PFOS, one of the most studied and toxic PFAS compounds, was found in half of all samples. The EPA classifies PFOS as likely carcinogenic to humans. It has been phased out of U.S. manufacturing, but it persists in the environment and continues to show up in water supplies, soil, and now infant formula.
No safe level of PFAS exposure has been established for adults. For infants, whose organs are still developing and whose immune systems are not yet fully formed, the stakes are higher. EWG's chief science officer noted that PFOS bioaccumulates in the body and damages the immune system, including reducing the effectiveness of vaccines in babies and children.
The double dose problem.
Most infant formula sold in the U.S. is powdered and must be mixed with water before feeding. That detail matters enormously. EWG senior scientist Tasha Stoiber put it plainly: depending on where you live, your tap water may already be contaminated with PFAS. That means babies could be getting a double dose, PFAS already present in the formula powder, and additional PFAS from the water used to prepare it.
EWG's own PFAS contamination map documents PFOS in the drinking water supply of nearly half of all water systems in the country. For parents in cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth, where water quality issues are well documented, this compounding exposure is not hypothetical. It is a real and present concern.
This is not the first time.
The FDA findings closely mirror a Consumer Reports investigation from 2025 that found PFAS in almost all of the 41 popular baby formula brands it tested, including Enfamil, Similac, and Bobbie. Two independent investigations, the same alarming result, and still no enforceable federal standard for PFAS in food. The FDA has authority under law to set limits on contaminants in infant formula. It has chosen not to use it.
What parents can do right now.
Until the FDA establishes enforceable PFAS limits, EWG recommends the following steps to reduce your baby's exposure.
1. Use purified water when preparing powdered formula.
A reverse osmosis system provides the most effective PFAS purification. Countertop pitcher filters have also shown meaningful effectiveness in EWG testing.
2. Check your local water supply.
EWG's PFAS contamination map shows which water systems have documented PFOS or other PFAS contamination. Knowing what is in your tap water is the first step to addressing it.
3. Make your voice heard.
Contact the FDA and your elected representatives and demand enforceable PFAS limits in infant formula. Public pressure remains one of the most effective tools available to families right now.
The water piece is something you can control today.
Parents cannot control what is in formula until the FDA acts. But the water used to prepare it is something that can be addressed right now. Reverse osmosis purification removes PFAS at the point of use, before the water reaches your tap. It is the same technology EWG recommends for this exact situation.
Bottleless Nation serves businesses and families across Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, Chicago, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, and 26 other markets nationwide with NSF 53, 58, and 61 certified purified water systems using reverse osmosis filtration. No PFAS. No microplastics. No unknowns.
The FDA found the problem. The solution is already available.
Source:
EWG: FDA finds toxic forever chemicals in baby formula but won't set enforceable limits, May 5 2026